Iran may close the Hormuz Strait — world oil under threat

After the large-scale US strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, a sharp geopolitical situation has arisen in the region. Now, members of the Iranian parliament are discussing the possibility of using one of the country’s main strategic tools — closing the Hormuz Strait.

According to Ismail Kowsari, a member of the parliamentary commission on national security and foreign policy, the final decision on this issue will be made by Iran’s National Security Council. This could lead to major upheavals in international trade and the energy market.

Strategic importance of the Hormuz Strait

The Hormuz Strait connects the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, with Iran bordering it to the north and Oman to the south. About 20 percent of the world’s exported oil and a large part of liquefied natural gas are transported through this sea route.

So, if Iran temporarily closes this corridor, the stability of the global oil market will be under serious threat. This could lead not only to an increase in oil prices, but also to global inflation and a logistics collapse.

US strike and its consequences

Recall that on the night of June 22, the US conducted an operation targeting three main Iranian nuclear facilities. According to the Pentagon, 125 military aircraft participated in this attack. As a result of the strike, which was carried out with Israel’s cooperation, the facilities in Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow were seriously damaged.

According to a statement from the IAEA, no increase in radiation levels has been recorded so far. However, the Iranian leadership declares that this attack will not go unanswered, and that possible military and economic measures will be taken.

What happens if the strait is closed?

As international experts have previously noted, Iran’s closure of the Hormuz Strait would be a blow not only to the US, but to the entire world economy. This measure is considered Iran’s most effective “economic weapon.” If the strait is closed, there will be major disruptions in oil supply.

According to some analysts, about 20–30 percent of the world’s consumed oil products move through this corridor.

Conclusion

The tension between Iran and the US has risen to a new level. A possible blockade of the Hormuz Strait could open the door to not only military, but also economic wars. The decision of the National Security Council will be of great importance for the whole world. Therefore, in the coming days, political processes will be in the spotlight not only in the region, but also on the international stage. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!